The Starter Company Plus Program Awards $40,000 to Support 9 Local Entrepreneurs
SUBMITTED
SMITHS FALLS – The Small Business Advisory Centre (serving Smiths Falls, Lanark County, and Northern Leeds Grenville) is proud to announce that 9 entrepreneurs from across the region have been selected to receive a combined $40,000 in funding through the Starter Company Plus program. This Government of Ontario-funded initiative offers training, mentorship, and microgrants of up to $5,000 to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to work with such dedicated entrepreneurs from across our region,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville). “Their determination to grow sustainable businesses highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that continues to flourish in our communities.”
Meg Adams, owner of the Perth General Store, reflected on the impact the program had on her business: “This experience has been invaluable to our new business. I have learned a great deal from the classes and from the fellow business owners enrolled. I feel more motivated than ever to take on this new chapter. Starting a business can be scary and daunting, but having grants and programs like this one alleviates the pressure in many ways. These funds will help us get the word out about the new business through marketing tactics and share the incredible Canadian products that we carry. These are tactics that we did not think would be possible for us in the first six months of our business, but thanks to this program, we were able to move quickly and achieve more.”
Meet the Summer 2025 Cohort:
Photo submitted.
Front Row (left to right):
- The Healing Nook – Lisa Ferguson, Smiths Falls, ON
7 Russell Street West, Smiths Falls, ON
https://www.thehealing-nook.com/ - Perth General Store– Megan Adams, Perth, ON
1865 Rogers Rd, Unit A, Perth, ON
https://perthgeneralstore.com/ - Valley Spine and Sports Rehab– Dr. Lindsay McMullen, Mississippi Mills, ON
83 Little Bridge Street, Ottawa, ON
https://valleyspinesportsrehab.janeapp.com/
Back Row (left to right):
- Basic Kneads – Joshua Reil, Perth, ON
98 Gore St East, Perth, ON
https://basickneadsperth.ca/ - A-List Ag Services – Ashley Knapton, Mississippi Mills, ON
https://www.alistag.ca - Momentous Reiki– Monique Rosteius, Carleton Place, ON
128 Brittany Street, Carleton Place
https://www.momentousreiki.ca/ - Homebody Floral – Leah Gibson, Tay Valley, ON
https://www.homebodyfloral.ca/ - This Momma’s Kitchen– Jennifer Brunet, Tay Valley, ON
1517 Fallbrook Road, Balderson, ON
https://www.thismommaskitchen.ca/ - Jim Summers, Monty’s Haul, Rideau Lakes, ON
367 Main Street, Elgin, ON
FB @montyshaul
About the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville)
The SBAC provides free business advisory services to aspiring and existing small business owners. As a Government of Ontario initiative supported by the Town of Smiths Falls, the County of Lanark, and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Centre offers one-on-one consultations, business workshops, webinars, and programs throughout the year. Visit www.smallbizcentre.ca to learn more or contact us to book an appointment.
